Marine Pilot of a U.S. Navy Blue Angels Fighter Jet Killed in Crash During Practice Session

A pilot was killed in the fiery crash of a Blue Angels jet Thursday during what was supposed to be a routine practice session for an upcoming air show.

The U.S. Navy’s elite demonstration squadron was rehearsing its
jaw-dropping formations when the pilot, identified as USMC Capt. Jeff
Kuss from Durango, Colorado, crashed into a residential area in Smyrna,
Georgia. There were no reports of civilian injuries on the ground.

He was credited with maneuvering his F/A-18 fighter jet away from homes as he crashed after taking off, according to local reports.

“My
thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the Blue
Angels after this tragic loss. I know that the Navy and Marine Corps
Team is with me. We will investigate this accident fully and do all we
can to prevent similar incidents in the future,” said the Navy’s top
officer, Adm. John Richardson, in a Facebook post.

Kuss,
32, joined the squad in September 2014 and had more than 1,400 flight
hours, military authorities said. He is survived by his wife, Christina,
and two children.

The remaining five Blue Angel jets landed safely, the military said. The crash occurred about two miles from the runway.

The team was preparing for the Great Tennessee Air Show scheduled for
Saturday and Sunday. The Blue Angels have cancelled their performances
there, the Navy announced late Thursday.

The crash
took out several power lines and ignited several small fires, local
authorities said. It was the first Blue Angels crash in nearly 10 years.